This article examines the need to conduct medtech clinical trials outside the U.S. and explores the growth of these trials in Latin America, particularly in Colombia and Paraguay. I will address critical success factors and provide recommendations to ensure cost-effective, ethical, and quality EFS and FIH medtech clinical trials in the region.
Read MoreThis article discusses the 101-year history of vaccine research in Latin America, how Latin America could help solve the vaccine clinical trial diversity problem in the U.S., and why the region is a desirable destination for such clinical research.
Read MoreThis article examines the need to conduct clinical trials outside the U.S. (OUS), addresses the recruitment crisis in the U.S., reviews the incentives for clinical trials overseas, and explores the growth of clinical trials in Latin America. We will profile Colombia as an example of a country committed to attracting more foreign investment in clinical trials.
Read MoreColombia's Ministry of Health (MoH) has one of the fastest regulatory approval times in Latin America: 30 days. The country also boasts a top-performing universal healthcare system that covers about 95% of its 50-million population and competitive hospital fees that are about 30-50% less than in the US or other Western European countries. The EC and INVIMA will evaluate the study protocol, the investigator's brochure, the patient informed consent form (ICF), the case report form (CRF), all information about the investigational product (e.g., biocompatibility tests, reports of unexpected adverse events), the study insurance policy, and all advertising material planned to recruit patients. You must also apply for an import permit at VUCE (Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior) —an office within Colombia's Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MinCIT).
Read MoreAccording to ClinicalTrials.gov, device trials have increased 94 percent from 2012 to 2017. The medical device contract research organization (CRO) market is expected to continue growing at 11.5 percent per year; at this rate, the market could reach nearly $13 billion by 2033.
Latin America has seen an explosive growth in medical clinical trials. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, out of the 35,780 global medical device trials conducted since 2000, 1,219 of them (or 3.4 percent) were registered in Latin America.
The same ClinicalTrials.gov data reveals that from 2000 to 2010, there were 255 medical device clinical trials in Latin America; there were 891 from 2011 to 2017 — an impressive 249 percent growth.
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